Working for Liberty or Jackson Hewitt as a tax preparer - better than H&R Block?

Do they pay for you to take the RTRP or EA exams? And is there a non-compete if you decide to leave and start your own business later?

They don't typically pay for EA exams - that's considered more advanced than what they require for their standard preparers. They will usually cover basic certification costs that they require for their systems. As for non-competes, yes, most locations have them, but they're generally limited to 2-3 years and a specific geographic radius from your office location. The enforceability varies by state, so check your local laws. Many preparers still manage to transition to independent practice after gaining experience.

Does it actually help with learning the tax code or is it just for organizing documents? I'm concerned about passing the certification tests these places require.

I'm skeptical about using some random website. Wouldn't it be better to just take the official training courses from the companies themselves? Why pay extra?

It definitely helps with learning the tax code because it explains which sections apply to different situations. When you upload documents, it breaks down which forms and schedules are needed and why - that's super helpful for understanding how different tax situations are handled. I didn't use it as a replacement for official training, but as a supplement. The company training courses teach you their software and processes, but having a deeper understanding of tax concepts gave me an edge. Most people who struggle in tax prep positions don't understand the "why" behind the forms they're completing.

Wait wait wait. How does that even work? The IRS phone system is deliberately designed to be impossible. Is this legal?

Sounds like a scam honestly. Why would this work when nothing else does? I've literally spent my whole career dealing with IRS hold times. No way there's a magic solution.

It works by using automated technology to navigate the IRS phone system and stay on hold for you. It's completely legal - it's basically just an automated system that holds your place in line. When an agent answers, you get a call connecting you to them. Saves hours of waiting on hold. The reason it works when nothing else does is that it's persistent and doesn't give up like humans do when faced with constant disconnects or hours of hold music. It's not magic, just clever automation. Think of it like having an assistant whose only job is to stay on hold for you.

That's really good insight, thanks! Does getting the EA certification take a long time? I'm wondering if I should just start working first to get some experience or focus on certifications.

Getting your EA certification requires passing three exams covering individual tax, business tax, and representation/ethics. Most people take 6-12 months of studying to complete all parts, but you can certainly work in tax preparation while studying. Starting at one of these companies first gives you practical experience that makes the EA study more relevant. Just be aware that what they teach you is limited to their systems and common tax situations. The EA covers much more ground including tax planning and representation issues that you won't encounter in retail tax prep.

Omg yes the liberty waving thing! Did they actually make you do that? I'd die of embarrassment. Is that mandatory for all employees??

This is exactly the kind of realistic perspective I was hoping to find! You're so right about the gap between company training and real-world client situations. I'm definitely leaning toward Jackson Hewitt based on what you and others have said about their more structured approach. Quick question - when you mention investing in learning the tax code deeply, do you have any specific recommendations for resources beyond the company training? I want to be as prepared as possible going into this, especially if I'm thinking about it as a potential career path rather than just seasonal income. Also really appreciate the point about having efficient ways to get IRS answers. Sounds like that's a major pain point that the training programs don't really address adequately.

For learning the tax code beyond company training, I'd recommend getting the IRS Publication 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) and Publication 15 (Employer's Tax Guide) - they're free and comprehensive. The NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents) also has good study materials even if you're not pursuing EA certification yet. Honestly, some of the tools mentioned in this thread like taxr.ai can be really helpful for understanding how different tax situations connect to specific code sections. I was skeptical at first but it does help bridge that gap between "enter this number here" and actually understanding why. For the IRS contact issue - yeah, it's brutal. I've wasted entire days trying to get through on the practitioner hotline. The Claimyr service that Ryan mentioned actually works (I was shocked too). It's not cheap but when you're dealing with a client's urgent issue and your reputation is on the line, it pays for itself quickly. The key is thinking beyond just this tax season. These entry-level positions are great for learning, but the preparers who build successful careers are the ones who keep expanding their knowledge base every year.

Great questions! For learning the tax code beyond company training, I'd recommend starting with IRS Publication 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) - it's free and covers most situations you'll encounter. The IRS also has free webinars and their Interactive Tax Assistant online tool is helpful for understanding when different rules apply. For more structured learning, consider the NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents) study materials even if you're not ready for the EA exam yet. They break down complex concepts really well. As for getting IRS answers efficiently - this is where you'll really feel the gap between training and reality. Company training assumes everything goes smoothly, but real clients have messy situations that require calling the practitioner hotline. Having a reliable way to actually get through to agents without losing your whole day is crucial for looking professional to clients and meeting deadlines. The key is building these skills while you're working at Jackson Hewitt or Liberty, so you're ready if you decide to go independent or move to a higher-level position later. Good luck!

@Amina Bah For learning the tax code deeply, I d'recommend starting with IRS Publication 17 Your (Federal Income Tax as) your foundation - it s'free and comprehensive. The Enrolled Agent study materials are also excellent even if you don t'plan to take the EA exam right away, because they cover the why "behind" tax rules rather than just the how. "As" for getting IRS answers efficiently, that s'where tools like Claimyr that @Ryan Vasquez mentioned become invaluable. I was skeptical at first too, but after my third season of wasting hours on IRS hold, I finally tried it and it s a'game-changer. Being able to get actual IRS guidance quickly makes you look professional to clients and saves your sanity. One more tip: start following tax professionals on social media and join forums like this one. The tax code changes every year, and staying current on updates is crucial for career growth beyond the basic seasonal prep work.

@e663819f897e covered this really well! For learning resources beyond company training, I'd recommend starting with IRS Publication 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) and Pub 4012 (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Resource Guide) - they're free and cover most situations you'll encounter in retail tax prep. The Tax Book by TheTaxBook.com is also excellent for quick reference during tax season. It's what many professional preparers keep on their desk. As for the IRS contact issue - yes, it's a huge gap in training programs. They teach you to prepare returns but not how to resolve problems when the IRS has questions or there are account issues. Having reliable ways to actually reach IRS representatives when you need them can make or break your reputation with clients and supervisors. One more tip: start following some tax professionals on social media or forums. The tax law changes every year, and staying current is crucial for building credibility with clients who often know more than they let on initially!